There I found a mortal victim within minutes, and to Amadeo's amazement caught the miserable fellow with preternatural speed as he sought to stab me, and brought him up to my lips. "You would see it among those whom we claim to love."
"You would see it again to understand it," I said angrily. What do I care for his body or his soul?" "No, Master," he answered, and then a smile played on his lips as though it were a flame which had sprung from mine. When at last I looked at him, I saw only amazement.
My vision was dim, and I knew that I was smiling-not a vicious smile, you understand, but something secretive and beyond anything the child had ever beheld. I turned, feeling the blood in my face and in my chest and then slowly moving into my hands.